entrances, does it not?"
29 "Yes," replied North, "hallway, and, balcony."
30 Turning to the two men with him, the Officer sent one to the hallway
door, and the other to the balcony. North noticed all three men wore
battle swords in addition to their daggers, and were equipped with body
shields. Apparently somebody WAS worried about his safety. Otherwise
they wouldn't have been so heavily armed. The Guard returned to North.
"Do you intend to fly to the ceremony," he asked, "or, use a flier?"
31 "Which do YOU prefer?" North inquired.
32 "A flier," the Guard answered. "I don't want you out in the open."
33 "Very well," North agreed , "but may we use ours? I don't want to go
in a Guard craft."
34 "Very well," the Guard Officer agreed.
35 "Have you eaten?" asked North.
36 "No," the Officer told him. "I was just going to order something."
37 "No," objected North, "my aunt will fix something for you and your
men. Take a look in the freezer and have what you like."
38 "Thank you," said the Officer, "and I'm sure my men second that."
39 "It's all right," North acknowledged. He finished his lunch and laid
down on the couch to rest. A few hours later his uncle again awoke him.
"You'd better get up and change, North. You've only got about
one hour before you're due there. Your aunt prepared your school
clothes, like you asked. They're laid out on the bed."
40 "Thanks," North said with a smile. He went to his room and changed.
41 As he came out, the Guard Officer was waiting. "The flier
is ready," he announced. "I'll ride with you and your family. My men
will follow in their flier."
42 "All right," North agreed. "I appreciate your efforts."